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India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.

Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.

After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.

Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.

While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the displays of the squad.

Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.

Management Questions

The review targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press