The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of making the decider of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
