India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
