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The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Disappears

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of making the final of this cycle too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.

Currently, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.

While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.

Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the team.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.

Management Questions

The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press