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India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.

In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.

After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.

Today, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.

Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the team.

Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

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

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press