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The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.

After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.

Now, India seem beatable on home turf.

Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.

Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

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

Critics and players have identified several failings post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the team.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press