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India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Disappears

The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.

Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this cycle too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.

Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.

Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.

Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.

Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the side.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press