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

In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was 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 12-year unbeaten run.

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

A Promising Start Disappears

The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against the opposition.

Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.

Currently, India seem easy pickings at home.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.

Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.

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

Several Weaknesses

Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.

Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the side.

Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The review also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press