The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover following the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
