India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
