The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press