The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
