India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent 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 South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India seem beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
