India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
