India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
