India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
