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India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.

Today, India appear to be easy pickings at home.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.

Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the displays of the side.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press