The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than 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 WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season too.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
