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

Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.

Causes of the Fall

India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.

Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them in the past.

Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have identified various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the squad.

Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press