The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. 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 strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
