The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
