India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, India seem vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
