The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
