The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, 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 provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
