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The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.

Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing 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 fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.

Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the showings of the squad.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press