The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
