The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But 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 suffered, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the final of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
