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India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Disappears

The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.

The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.

From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.

Currently, India appear to be beatable on home turf.

Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the squad.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.

In his post-series press