India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the final of this season also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
