India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman 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 both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of making the final of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
