The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of making the decider of this season too.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
