India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
