India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
