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

In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.

Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season too.

From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.

Today, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.

Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.

Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have highlighted several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the side.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

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

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press