India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover post the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
