India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press