India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
