India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
