India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of making the decider of this season also.
After being 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, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
