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

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.

The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Concerning History

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of making the final of this cycle too.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.

Now, India seem beatable in their own backyard.

Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them before.

Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.

Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the showings of the squad.

Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press