India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India seem beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
