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India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.

Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.

The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.

From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.

Now, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.

Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.

Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.

While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the performances of the team.

Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press