The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Now, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
