India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
