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 handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of making the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
