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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the decider of this cycle also.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.

Now, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them before.

While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.

Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the squad.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Management Questions

The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press