The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
