India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
