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

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.

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

After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.

Today, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.

A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.

Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was evident in the displays of the side.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.

Management Questions

The review targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press