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The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.

Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the decider of this season as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.

Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.

Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.

A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.

While there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the squad.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The post-mortem also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press