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India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Disappears

The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition post the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.

The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.

Currently, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.

Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the team.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.

At his post-series press