India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
