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

Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm built over the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

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

The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.

Today, the team seem vulnerable at home.

Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.

Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.

Experts and participants have identified various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the team.

Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.

Management Questions

The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press