The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
