The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, India appear to be beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
