India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
