The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa 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
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered 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, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
