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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.

Several established players were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the final of this season too.

After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.

Now, the team seem beatable at home.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them before.

Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the squad.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The review also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press