The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover following the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the final of this edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
