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India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.

The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.

Today, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.

A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

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

Experts and participants have highlighted several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the displays of the team.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Management Questions

The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press