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India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.

Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.

Today, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.

Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.

While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.

Critics and players have identified various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was evident in the displays of the side.

Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.

Management Questions

The analysis also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press