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India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this season as well.

From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.

Now, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.

Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.

While there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.

This was evident in the performances of the side.

Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press