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India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

In the final match, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Disappears

The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.

From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.

Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.

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

Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the displays of the squad.

Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.

Management Questions

The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press