The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
