India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated 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 major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
