The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
