The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of making the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India seem beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
