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The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Disappears

The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the final of this season too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.

Today, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.

Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.

Critics and players have identified several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the side.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

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

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press