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The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.

In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Vanishes

The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.

India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of making the showpiece of this season 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, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.

Now, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

Some suggest that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.

Even though there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.

Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the squad.

Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press