The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of making the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
