The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball 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 carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
