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

In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Disappears

The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

It was the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.

From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.

Currently, the team seem beatable at home.

Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.

Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.

This was clear in the showings of the squad.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press