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The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the final of this season too.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.

Currently, India appear to be vulnerable at home.

Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.

Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the squad.

Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press