The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
