The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
