India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why 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 in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
