The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason 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 just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
