India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
