India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
