India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
