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The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Disappears

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.

From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.

Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.

Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.

Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them before.

Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have pointed to several failings following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the showings of the squad.

Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press