The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the decider of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, 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 seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. 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
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
