The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, India seem beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
