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India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.

Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Concerning History

This represented the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.

From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.

Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.

Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.

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

Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.

Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the team.

Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press