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The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

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

India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of making the final of this season as well.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.

Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.

Today, India look to be easy pickings at home.

Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.

Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.

Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was evident in the displays of the team.

Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.

During his post-series press