The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
