The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the final of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Today, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv 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.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
