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India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Disappears

The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.

Several established players were damaged, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.

From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.

Now, the team look to be vulnerable at home.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.

Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.

This was obvious in the displays of the team.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press