India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
