The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of reaching the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
