India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
