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The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.

India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

This was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.

From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.

Now, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.

Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

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

Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was clear in the showings of the side.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

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

Management Questions

The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press