The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, 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 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India seem vulnerable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
