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The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.

In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.

From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.

Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.

Even though there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.

Critics and players have highlighted several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the squad.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press