India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
