The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - 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 win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press