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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the final of this season also.

From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.

Today, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.

Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.

While there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the team.

Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press