The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Today, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
