The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans 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 series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers 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 turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
