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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Disappears

The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.

From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.

Today, the team look to be vulnerable at home.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

Some suggest that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.

Although 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.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.

Experts and participants have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the team.

Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press