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

Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.

Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this season also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly 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 at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.

Now, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.

While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

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

Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was evident in the performances of the side.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press