The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India seem beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
