India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover after the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of making the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
