India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
