India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
