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India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.

Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of reaching the final of this edition as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.

Now, India look to be vulnerable at home.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.

Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the squad.

Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

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

Coaching Scrutiny

The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press