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

In the final match, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Disappears

The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover post the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.

India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.

The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.

From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.

Today, the team look to be vulnerable at home.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.

Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the team.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The post-mortem also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press