India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem beatable at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
