The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of reaching the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Today, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
