The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the decider of this season also.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
