The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of making the final of this season also.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
