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India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.

Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this cycle as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.

Now, India look to be beatable on home turf.

Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have identified several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the showings of the side.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.

Management Questions

The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.

In his post-series press