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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

Concerning History

It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of reaching the final of this edition also.

From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.

Currently, the team seem beatable on home turf.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.

A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.

While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.

Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the side.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.

Management Questions

The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press