India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, 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 casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
