India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
