India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
