The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
