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

In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Concerning History

This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this season as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.

Now, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.

Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was evident in the showings of the team.

Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Management Questions

The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press