India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope 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 Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
