India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of reaching the final of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
