India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of making the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
