The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of reaching the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Now, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
