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The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.

Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

This was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season also.

From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.

Currently, India seem beatable in their own backyard.

Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better 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 before.

Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the side.

Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press