India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of making the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks 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 unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
