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India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.

In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.

India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the final of this cycle as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.

Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.

Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the side.

Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The review didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press