India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing 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 local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
