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

In the final match, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of making the final of this edition as well.

After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.

Today, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.

Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.

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

While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.

Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the squad.

Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

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

Coaching Scrutiny

The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press