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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, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Disappears

The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.

The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Concerning History

This was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.

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

From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.

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

Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.

Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.

While there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.

Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the performances of the squad.

Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press