The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
