India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
