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The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Disappears

The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.

Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.

The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.

Currently, the team look to be vulnerable at home.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.

Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.

This was evident in the displays of the side.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press