The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
