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

Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of making the decider of this cycle too.

After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.

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

Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.

While there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.

Experts and participants have identified several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was clear in the showings of the squad.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press