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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This represented the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.

The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the final of this edition too.

From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.

Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.

While there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have identified several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was clear in the performances of the side.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press