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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.

In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players suffered, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.

After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.

Today, the team seem beatable at home.

Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.

While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

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

Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.

This was clear in the performances of the side.

Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press