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

Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of making the final of this cycle too.

From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.

Currently, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them in the past.

While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.

Critics and players have identified several failings after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the showings of the side.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press