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

Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.

India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Concerning History

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of making the decider of this cycle too.

After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.

Currently, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.

Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.

Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.

Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the side.

Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.

Management Questions

The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press