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

Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Disappears

The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.

The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of reaching the decider of this season as well.

From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.

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

Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.

Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.

Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.

Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the showings of the side.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press