India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the decider of this season too.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
