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

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.

From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.

Today, the team seem beatable on home turf.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.

Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the team.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press