India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press