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The Indian cricket team'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 Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked 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 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Concerning History

This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.

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

Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

What Happened?

Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them in the past.

Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.

Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the squad.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and 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 spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press