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

Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.

After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.

Today, India seem vulnerable on home turf.

Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better abroad.

Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.

While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have identified various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.

This was obvious in the performances of the side.

Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.

Management Questions

The review targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.

At his post-series press