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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Disappears

The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.

Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.

The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition too.

From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.

Today, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.

Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.

While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.

This was evident in the showings of the side.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.

Management Questions

The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press