Unbeatable Not Anymore: Why India's Red-Ball Cricket Standing Is in Tatters

The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

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

The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.

Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Worrying Trend

This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.

Currently, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.

Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.

While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.

This was evident in the displays of the team.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

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

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

In his post-series press