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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Disappears

The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the showpiece of this edition also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.

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

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.

What Happened?

Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.

Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.

Experts and participants have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the displays of the squad.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

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

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press