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India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Disappears

The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the final of this season too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.

Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.

Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.

While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.

This was clear in the performances of the side.

Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished 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 technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.

At his post-series press