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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of making the showpiece of this edition as well.

After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.

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

Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.

Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the side.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press