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India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.

Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.

From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.

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

Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.

Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

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

Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was obvious in the performances of the side.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.

At his post-series press