The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the final of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
