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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Concerning History

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 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of making the final of this cycle as well.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.

Currently, India look to be beatable at home.

Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.

Even though there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the team.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press