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

Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was 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 one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.

Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the final of this edition too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.

Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.

While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

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

Critics and players have pointed to several failings following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.

This was obvious in the displays of the side.

Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

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

Management Questions

The post-mortem also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press