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India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition 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 beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.

The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the decider of this edition also.

After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.

Today, the team look to be beatable on home turf.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.

A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.

Even though there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the squad.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press