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

Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition after the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the final of this season as well.

From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.

Currently, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.

Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.

Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the side.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Management Questions

The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press