The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
