The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
