The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced 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 the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
