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

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

The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Concerning History

It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.

From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.

Now, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.

Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.

Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.

This was evident in the performances of the team.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.

At his post-series press