The Indian cricket team's unexpected 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 Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
