India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
