The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of reaching the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
