The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
