India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
