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

Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Disappears

The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season too.

From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.

Causes of the Fall

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.

Today, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.

Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.

While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.

Several Weaknesses

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

Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the side.

Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.

During his post-series press