India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of making the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
