The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
