India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
