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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.

Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Concerning History

It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.

Now, India seem vulnerable on home turf.

Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

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

Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the squad.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press