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

In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Disappears

The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

Concerning History

It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of making the showpiece of this season as well.

From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.

Currently, the team look to be beatable on home turf.

Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

The Core Issue

A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.

Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was clear in the showings of the team.

Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.

At his post-series press