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

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.

The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players were damaged, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

A Troubling Pattern

This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.

Today, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.

While there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.

This was obvious in the showings of the team.

Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press