The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
