India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
