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India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Concerning History

It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.

After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.

Today, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.

Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.

What Happened?

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

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.

Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

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

Critics and players have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the performances of the side.

Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press