The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, 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 home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
