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

In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Disappears

The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.

From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.

Currently, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.

Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.

Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.

While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.

This was obvious in the showings of the side.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press