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India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.

In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.

Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of making the final of this cycle too.

From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand 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. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.

Today, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.

Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the side.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.

Management Questions

The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press