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India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

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

India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season too.

After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.

Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.

Now, India appear to be beatable at home.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.

Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.

Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the side.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press