India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
