The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
