India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
