India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
