The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
