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

Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.

India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

A Troubling Pattern

This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle also.

From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.

Today, India look to be easy pickings at home.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.

Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

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

Experts and participants have identified various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the side.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Management Questions

The review also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press