India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, India seem beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
