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The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Disappears

The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season also.

From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.

Currently, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.

Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.

While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.

Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the squad.

Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press