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India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of reaching the final of this edition too.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.

Today, India seem easy pickings at home.

Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.

While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the squad.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press