The Indian cricket team's shocking 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, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India seem beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
