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India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Disappears

The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.

Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition too.

After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.

Currently, India look to be easy pickings at home.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.

Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have identified various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.

This was obvious in the performances of the squad.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.

Management Questions

The post-mortem also included the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press