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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.

The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the final of this edition too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.

Now, the team look to be beatable at home.

Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.

While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.

Critics and players have identified various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.

This was obvious in the showings of the side.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

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

Leadership Under Fire

The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press