The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
