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

Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent 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 momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.

Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Concerning History

It was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.

After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.

Currently, the team look to be easy pickings at home.

Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.

What Happened?

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.

Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.

Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the team.

Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press