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

Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.

Now, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.

Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.

While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have identified several failings post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was clear in the showings of the team.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.

At his post-series press