The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
While there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
