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

Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of making the decider of this season also.

From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.

Today, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.

Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.

Critics and players have identified several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the showings of the side.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press