India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
