The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
