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

Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.

India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's hopes of making the final of this season as well.

From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.

Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.

While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

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

Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the displays of the team.

Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.

Management Questions

The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press