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The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.

Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

A Troubling Pattern

This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of making the final of this cycle too.

From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.

Currently, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

What Happened?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.

While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the team.

Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press