The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century 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 all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
