India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team seem beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
