India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
