The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
