The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. 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 momentum established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar 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.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
