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The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.

Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.

Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.

While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.

Experts and participants have identified several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was obvious in the showings of the side.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press