The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of making the final of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
