The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing 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 at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
