India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of making the decider of this season too.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
