India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
