The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of reaching the decider of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish 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 not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
