The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
