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

Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked 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 winning rhythm built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.

India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of making the final of this cycle too.

After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.

Causes of the Fall

India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.

Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.

Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.

Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was obvious in the displays of the side.

Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press