The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the decider of this edition too.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
