The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' 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 unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
