India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
