India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
