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The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

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

India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.

Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of reaching the decider of this edition as well.

After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently 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 surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.

Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.

Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.

Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the performances of the squad.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.

Management Questions

The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press