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

Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon 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 the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of reaching the final of this edition too.

After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.

Currently, the team seem easy pickings at home.

Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.

Even though there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.

Critics and players have identified various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.

This was obvious in the displays of the side.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press