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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

It was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of making the showpiece of this season too.

After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.

Now, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.

Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.

Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the showings of the team.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.

Management Questions

The analysis also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press