India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the final of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
