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

Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest 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 second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Disappears

The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of making the decider of this edition as well.

From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.

Now, India look to be vulnerable at home.

Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

What Happened?

Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.

While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.

Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the showings of the side.

Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.

Management Questions

The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press