India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
