The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
