India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented 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 invincible streak.
The momentum established in the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India look to be beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
