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

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season also.

From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.

Now, India look to be vulnerable at home.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.

While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.

Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the squad.

Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press