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India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.

Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

This was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.

After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.

Now, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.

A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.

Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the squad.

Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.

During his post-series press