India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
