India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India seem easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
