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

In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.

Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this edition also.

From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.

Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.

Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.

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 sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the side.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press