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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Disappears

The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.

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

Worrying Trend

This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.

Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.

Although there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.

Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the squad.

Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.

During his post-series press