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

Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

A Troubling Pattern

This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the decider of this edition as well.

After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.

Now, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.

While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the side.

Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press