India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
