The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, 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 inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
