The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of making the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
