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India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Concerning History

This was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of making the final of this edition as well.

After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.

Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them before.

Even though there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

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

Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was clear in the showings of the team.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press