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India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Disappears

The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.

The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the final of this edition also.

From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.

Today, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.

Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.

Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the squad.

Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

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

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press