India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, 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 great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
