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The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the final of this season as well.

After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.

Currently, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.

Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.

Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.

Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.

Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the side.

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

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press