The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
