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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Disappears

The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.

India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the decider of this season too.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.

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

Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.

While there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the performances of the squad.

Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Management Questions

The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press