India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
