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

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.

After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.

Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.

Today, the team look to be beatable on home turf.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.

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

While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.

Various Shortcomings

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

Experts and participants have identified several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the performances of the side.

Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Management Questions

The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.

During his post-series press