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India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

A Troubling Pattern

This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.

The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.

After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.

Now, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.

Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.

Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the team.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press