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

Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.

Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

A Troubling Pattern

This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.

Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.

What Happened?

Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.

While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the squad.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.

Management Questions

The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.

During his post-series press