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

In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the final of this season too.

From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.

Today, India seem easy pickings on home turf.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.

While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was obvious in the showings of the side.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press