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

Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Disappears

The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the final of this cycle as well.

From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.

Now, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.

What Happened?

Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.

Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the squad.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.

Management Questions

The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.

At his post-series press