The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
