India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered 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 technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press