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

Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

A Troubling Pattern

This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the final of this edition too.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.

Currently, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.

Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the team.

Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

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

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press