India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
