India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the final of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
