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

In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this edition as well.

After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.

Today, the team look to be easy pickings at home.

Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.

Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.

Critics and players have identified various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the team.

Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press