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

Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.

India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.

Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season as well.

From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.

Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.

Now, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.

A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.

Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the team.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The review also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press