India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of making the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
