The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
