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India's shocking 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 a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.

Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.

The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of making the decider of this season also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.

Now, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.

Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.

Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.

Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.

This was evident in the displays of the squad.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.

Management Questions

The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press