India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of reaching the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
