India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
