India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Now, India seem easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
