The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
