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

Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Disappears

The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

A Troubling Pattern

This represented the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle too.

From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.

Now, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.

Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was clear in the showings of the team.

Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press