The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
