India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
