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India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Concerning History

It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the decider of this season as well.

From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.

Today, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.

Even though there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the showings of the squad.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press