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

In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

A Troubling Pattern

This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.

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

Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.

While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.

This was clear in the showings of the team.

Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press