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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.

The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of making the decider of this cycle also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.

Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

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

Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the team.

Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

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

Leadership Under Fire

The review also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press