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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the decider of this season also.

After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.

Today, India seem easy pickings at home.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.

The Core Issue

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.

Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.

Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the team.

Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.

In his post-series press