India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
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 tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
