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

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season as well.

After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.

Currently, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.

Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.

While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.

Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the team.

Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press