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The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.

In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition post the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.

The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle as well.

From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.

Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.

Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.

While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.

Critics and players have identified several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the team.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, 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.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.

Management Questions

The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press