India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
