India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
