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The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory 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 built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Disappears

The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.

India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.

Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

It was the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season as well.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.

Now, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.

Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.

Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the squad.

Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press