India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press