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

Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation'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 prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of making the final of this edition also.

After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.

Now, the team look to be beatable on home turf.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.

Although there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.

Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.

This was obvious in the displays of the team.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press