The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
