The Indian cricket team's surprising 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 their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
