India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover after the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of reaching the final of this cycle too.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
