The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
