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The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

This was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this cycle too.

After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.

Currently, India seem easy pickings at home.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.

Although there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.

Critics and players have identified several failings after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the displays of the squad.

Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press