India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the final of this season too.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
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 in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
