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

Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.

India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

A Troubling Pattern

This represented the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of making the decider of this season too.

From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.

Now, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well abroad.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.

Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have identified various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the performances of the team.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press