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India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.

Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Disappears

The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.

Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.

The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of making the showpiece of this cycle also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.

Currently, the team seem vulnerable at home.

Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well abroad.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the team.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.

Management Questions

The post-mortem also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press