The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences 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 win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
