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India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.

After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.

Now, India appear to be beatable at home.

Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.

Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.

Experts and participants have identified several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.

This was clear in the showings of the side.

Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press