The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the final of this season too.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
