India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
