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

Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this cycle as well.

From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.

Today, India seem beatable at home.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

The Core Issue

A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.

Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the side.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Management Questions

The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press