The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
