India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, 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.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
