The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of making the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press