The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
