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India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.

In the final match, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.

India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition too.

From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.

Now, India seem beatable in their own backyard.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.

Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the showings of the team.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

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

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press