The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 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 hopes of making the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
