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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Disappears

The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Concerning History

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

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the final of this edition too.

From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.

Now, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.

Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

The Core Issue

A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.

Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

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

Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.

This was obvious in the showings of the squad.

Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Management Questions

The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press