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

Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.

Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

This was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.

After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.

Today, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.

A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.

While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.

Experts and participants have identified several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.

This was clear in the showings of the team.

Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press