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India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Disappears

The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

It was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.

The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of reaching the final of this edition also.

From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.

Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.

Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.

Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

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

Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the squad.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.

At his post-series press