The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players 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 aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
