India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
