India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
