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

Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of making the decider of this edition also.

From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.

Currently, the team look to be beatable on home turf.

Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them before.

While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.

This was evident in the performances of the team.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.

Management Questions

The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press