India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
