India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
