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

Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Disappears

The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.

India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.

The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this cycle also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.

Currently, the team look to be beatable at home.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.

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

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the team.

Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.

Management Questions

The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press