The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
