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

Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.

Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the final of this season as well.

From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.

Currently, India look to be easy pickings at home.

Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing 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 altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.

Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.

This was clear in the performances of the squad.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press