India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of reaching the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - 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 not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
