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.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
