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India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition after the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.

Today, India appear to be beatable on home turf.

Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.

Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.

While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the team.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.

In his post-series press