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India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover post the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.

India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.

Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.

While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have identified various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the side.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Management Questions

The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press