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India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Disappears

The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this cycle also.

From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.

Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.

Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.

Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.

Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the displays of the side.

Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The review also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press