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

In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

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

Initial Hope Disappears

The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.

Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Concerning History

This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.

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

After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.

Today, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.

A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.

While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.

Critics and players have identified various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the side.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.

Management Questions

The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press