The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of reaching the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
