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

Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.

The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.

Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.

Causes of the Fall

India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.

Now, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.

Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.

While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

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

Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the squad.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.

Management Questions

The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press