The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
