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India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked 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 winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.

Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of reaching the final of this edition too.

After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.

Today, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.

A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.

Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

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

Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the squad.

Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press