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

Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Disappears

The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Concerning History

It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of reaching the decider of this cycle also.

After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.

Now, the team look to be beatable on home turf.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.

Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the squad.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.

At his post-series press