India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
