The Indian cricket team's surprising 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 a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
