Unconquerable A Thing of the Past: The Reasons The Indian Test Cricket Standing Is in Tatters

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

In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.

Several established players took a hit, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This represented the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season also.

After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.

Causes of the Fall

India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.

Currently, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.

Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.

Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the side.

Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press