The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
