The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
