The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
