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India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.

The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.

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

Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the team.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press