India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
