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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Concerning History

This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of making the decider of this season as well.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.

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

Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.

While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.

Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.

This was clear in the performances of the side.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press