The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
