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The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season too.

After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.

Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them before.

Even though there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.

Experts and participants have identified several failings following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.

This was evident in the showings of the side.

Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press