India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
