Invincible A Thing of the Past: Why India's Red-Ball Cricket Standing Is in Tatters

The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.

India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.

Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.

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

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.

A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.

Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.

Experts and participants have identified various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the squad.

Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.

During his post-series press