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India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.

India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.

Several established players suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle also.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.

Currently, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.

Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

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

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.

While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.

Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.

This was clear in the showings of the side.

Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press