India'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 handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
