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

Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

A Troubling Pattern

This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.

Now, the team seem beatable on home turf.

Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.

While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.

This was clear in the showings of the squad.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.

At his post-series press