The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover following the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the final of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
