India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
