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

In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.

India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.

Now, India seem beatable at home.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.

What Happened?

Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.

While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.

Critics and players have pointed to several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the side.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.

Management Questions

The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press