The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of reaching the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
