India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, 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 nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
