India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of making the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
