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India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Disappears

The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.

India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

This was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the decider of this edition as well.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.

Now, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.

Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.

This was clear in the showings of the squad.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press