The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's chances of reaching the final of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
