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The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Disappears

The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this season as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.

Today, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.

Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the showings of the squad.

Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The post-mortem also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press