India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
