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India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest 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 invincible streak.

The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Disappears

The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.

India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.

Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition too.

From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.

Now, the team look to be beatable at home.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.

A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.

Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.

Several Weaknesses

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

Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.

This was obvious in the displays of the squad.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Management Questions

The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press