India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the decider of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
