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

Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of reaching the final of this cycle too.

After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.

Currently, the team seem vulnerable at home.

Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.

Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.

Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.

This was evident in the displays of the side.

Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.

Management Questions

The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press