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The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.

Several established players suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the final of this season as well.

After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.

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

Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.

While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.

Critics and players have highlighted several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the showings of the squad.

Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Management Questions

The review targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.

During his post-series press