The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of making the decider of this edition also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
