The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
