India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the final of this season too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
