The Indian cricket team's unexpected 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 their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
