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

In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Disappears

The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.

Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

It was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.

Causes of the Fall

India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.

Currently, India look to be easy pickings at home.

Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.

A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them before.

Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.

Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.

This was evident in the showings of the side.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.

At his post-series press