The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
