The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
