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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.

Now, India seem beatable in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.

Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have identified several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the squad.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Management Questions

The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press