India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of making the final of this edition too.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
