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

Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Disappears

The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the decider of this edition also.

After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.

Currently, the team look to be beatable on home turf.

Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.

Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

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

Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.

This was evident in the performances of the team.

Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press