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

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.

After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.

Today, the team look to be easy pickings at home.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.

While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.

Critics and players have identified several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the showings of the team.

Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

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

Coaching Scrutiny

The post-mortem also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press