The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season too.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
