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

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.

Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the showpiece of this season as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.

Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.

Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.

Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the team.

Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

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

Management Questions

The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press