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

In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Disappears

The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

Concerning History

It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of reaching the final of this season also.

From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.

Now, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.

While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the performances of the team.

Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press