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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.

Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.

From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches 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. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.

Today, India seem beatable on home turf.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them in the past.

Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.

Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.

This was clear in the showings of the team.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press