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

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.

Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.

Causes of the Fall

India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.

Now, the team appear to be beatable at home.

Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better abroad.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.

Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.

This was obvious in the displays of the side.

Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.

At his post-series press