India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
