India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
