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 handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
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 Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
