India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
