India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
