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

In the final match, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was 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 one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.

After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.

Currently, the team look to be easy pickings at home.

Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.

A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.

Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the side.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.

Management Questions

The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press