The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of making the decider of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
