The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces 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 anomaly.
Now, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh 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 position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press