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India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.

The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle too.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.

Now, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.

Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better overseas.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the team.

Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press