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India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Disappears

The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.

Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the final of this season too.

From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.

Currently, India look to be beatable at home.

Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.

A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.

Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.

This was obvious in the performances of the squad.

Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.

Management Questions

The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press