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

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Disappears

The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.

Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.

From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.

Now, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.

Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.

While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.

Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the team.

Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Management Questions

The review also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press