Unconquerable No More: The Reasons The Indian Test Cricket Reputation Is in Tatters

India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Disappears

The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.

Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

Concerning History

It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this season too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.

Currently, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.

Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.

Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.

Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.

This was obvious in the showings of the side.

Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press