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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.

From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.

Now, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.

Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.

Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.

Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the performances of the side.

Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press