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

Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Disappears

The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.

Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's chances of reaching the decider of this edition as well.

After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.

Today, India appear to be vulnerable at home.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.

While there is some truth in both analyses, 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 diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.

Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was obvious in the showings of the squad.

Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press