The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press