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The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.

The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.

Now, India look to be vulnerable at home.

Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.

While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the team.

Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press