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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.

In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Concerning History

This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.

From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.

Now, India look to be easy pickings at home.

Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.

While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the performances of the side.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

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

Management Questions

The review also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press