India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
