The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of reaching the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
