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

Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Disappears

The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

This was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this season as well.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.

Now, the team appear to be beatable at home.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.

Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.

Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the performances of the team.

Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press