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India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.

Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. 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 established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season also.

After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates 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 seen as an anomaly.

Now, India seem easy pickings at home.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them before.

Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.

Critics and players have identified various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the performances of the side.

Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

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

Coaching Scrutiny

The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press