The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss 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, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
