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India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.

From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.

Now, the team look to be beatable on home turf.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.

While there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.

Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.

This was evident in the performances of the team.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.

During his post-series press