Unconquerable No More: Why India's Test Cricket Reputation Has Crumbled

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

In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.

A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.

The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of making the final of this season as well.

From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.

Now, India look to be easy pickings at home.

Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.

Even though there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.

This was clear in the displays of the squad.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press