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.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
