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India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.

Today, India seem easy pickings at home.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.

A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.

While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.

Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the squad.

Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press