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India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.

Now, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.

Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.

While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the side.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press