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India's surprising 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 inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of reaching the decider of this season as well.

From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.

Today, the team seem beatable on home turf.

Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.

A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.

Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.

Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the side.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press