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

In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Concerning History

This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.

Today, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.

Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the squad.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Management Questions

The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press