India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing 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 at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of reaching the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
