India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, 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 casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
