India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
