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

In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the final of this season too.

From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.

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

Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better abroad.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.

Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the side.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press