India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
