India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
