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.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
