India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the final of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
