India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
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 pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
