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

Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.

India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the decider of this edition as well.

After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.

Today, India seem beatable in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.

Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the showings of the team.

Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press