India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
