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

Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle too.

After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.

Today, the team seem easy pickings at home.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.

What Happened?

Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.

Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.

Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was clear in the showings of the team.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and 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, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.

During his post-series press