The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the final of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them before.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
