India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
