The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
