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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Disappears

The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.

The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of reaching the decider of this edition also.

From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen 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 - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.

Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.

Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the performances of the team.

Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press