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India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.

After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.

Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.

Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.

Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was evident in the showings of the team.

Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press