India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.
While there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
