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The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Disappears

The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.

From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.

Today, India appear to be beatable on home turf.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.

While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.

Critics and players have identified several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.

This was evident in the performances of the squad.

Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

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

Management Questions

The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.

At his post-series press