The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, 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 arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them before.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
