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

In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the showpiece of this season too.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.

Now, India look to be easy pickings at home.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.

What Happened?

Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.

Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was clear in the displays of the side.

Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.

Management Questions

The review targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.

During his post-series press