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

In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Disappears

The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the decider of this cycle too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.

Today, India seem vulnerable on home turf.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better overseas.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them earlier.

While there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the displays of the squad.

Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.

Management Questions

The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press