India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces 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 seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
