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

Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.

The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.

Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

This was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of reaching the final of this season as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.

Now, India look to be beatable at home.

Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.

Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.

Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the side.

Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.

Management Questions

The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.

During his post-series press