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The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.

In the final match, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.

India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of reaching the decider of this season too.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.

Now, India seem easy pickings on home turf.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them before.

While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.

This was obvious in the displays of the squad.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.

At his post-series press