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.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of making the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
