India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of reaching the final of this season too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
