The Indian cricket team'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, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India look to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
