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India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Disappears

The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.

Currently, the team look to be beatable at home.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.

A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them in the past.

Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

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

Critics and players have identified various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the showings of the side.

Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.

At his post-series press