The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
