India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar 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.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
