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

In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Disappears

The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of making the showpiece of this cycle too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.

Today, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.

Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.

Experts and participants have identified various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.

This was evident in the showings of the team.

Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and 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.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press