India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi 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 position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
