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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.

Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Disappears

The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle as well.

After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.

Today, India seem easy pickings on home turf.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.

Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.

Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.

Experts and participants have identified several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.

This was obvious in the performances of the team.

Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

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

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press