India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
