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

In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.

Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.

Currently, India look to be beatable at home.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.

Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

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

Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.

This was clear in the performances of the team.

Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press