The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover post the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of making the decider of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Today, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
