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 Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the final of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
