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India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

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

The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.

From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.

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

Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.

While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have identified various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the squad.

Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.

Management Questions

The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press