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

In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.

After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.

Now, India look to be easy pickings at home.

Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.

While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the side.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press