The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of reaching the decider of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
