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

Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the final of this edition too.

After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.

Now, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.

Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.

Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.

Experts and participants have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the showings of the side.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press