India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this cycle too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
