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India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.

Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Concerning History

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle too.

After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.

Now, the team look to be beatable at home.

Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.

What Happened?

Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.

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

While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

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

Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.

This was evident in the showings of the team.

Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press