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

Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.

Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of making the final of this edition also.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.

Today, India seem beatable on home turf.

Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them before.

Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.

Critics and players have pointed to several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the side.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press