India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the final of this cycle too.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
