The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of making the decider of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India seem vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
