The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
