The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
