India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
