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India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans 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 was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the decider of this season too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.

Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.

Currently, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.

While there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.

This was clear in the performances 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 Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press