India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season too.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
