The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand 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 used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
