The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered 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 India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
