India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
