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

Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Disappears

The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.

Currently, India seem easy pickings on home turf.

Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better abroad.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.

Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the squad.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

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

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.

During his post-series press