India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the final of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
