The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the decider of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
