Invincible Not Anymore: Why The Indian Test Match Standing Lies in Ruins

India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.

Currently, the team seem easy pickings at home.

Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.

Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.

Multiple Failings

Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the performances of the squad.

Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The review also included just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press