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

In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.

Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.

After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.

Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.

Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.

While there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.

Experts and participants have identified several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the performances of the team.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.

Management Questions

The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press