The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover post the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified several failings following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
