India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
