The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India seem beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
