India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this season also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
