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

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.

Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.

The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the decider of this season as well.

From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.

Now, India appear to be beatable at home.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.

Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.

Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the team.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

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

Management Questions

The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press