India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
