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India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.

Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.

The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle also.

After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.

Today, India appear to be vulnerable at home.

Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.

Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was evident in the displays of the team.

Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press