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The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Disappears

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.

The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.

From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.

Now, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.

Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.

Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.

Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have identified various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the side.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press