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

In the final match, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Disappears

The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the final of this edition as well.

From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.

Now, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.

Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.

While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.

Experts and participants have identified various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the displays of the squad.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

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

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press