The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of 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 one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
