India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of making the final of this edition too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
