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The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.

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

Worrying Trend

It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.

From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.

Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.

Now, India appear to be beatable at home.

Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.

Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.

While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the team.

Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.

Management Questions

The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press