India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
