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India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.

In the final match, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.

Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Concerning History

This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition too.

From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.

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

Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.

Even though there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.

Experts and participants have identified various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was obvious in the showings of the team.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press