The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was 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 remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
