India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the decider of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
