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India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Disappears

The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.

The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

It was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of making the showpiece of this season too.

After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.

Today, India seem beatable in their own backyard.

Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well abroad.

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

Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was clear in the displays of the team.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.

Management Questions

The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press