The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
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 contest. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press