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

Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.

From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.

Currently, India seem beatable at home.

Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.

Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was clear in the displays of the side.

Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press