India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
