The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team look to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press