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The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Concerning History

This was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.

Now, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.

Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.

Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them before.

Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the displays of the squad.

Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press