India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India appear to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
