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 inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half 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 provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
