India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
