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

Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.

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

Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.

Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.

While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the side.

Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press