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

Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Disappears

The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.

Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.

Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.

Even though there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the team.

Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.

Management Questions

The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press