The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished 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.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
