India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition 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 floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
