The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
