India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle too.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
