India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the final of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
