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

In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

A Troubling Pattern

This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.

Currently, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have identified several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the showings of the squad.

Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

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

Management Questions

The analysis also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press