Unbeatable No More: The Reasons India's Red-Ball Cricket Legacy Has Crumbled

The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.

Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Vanishes

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

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.

Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's chances of making the final of this cycle also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.

Today, India appear to be easy pickings at home.

Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.

A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.

Even though there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.

Various Shortcomings

Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.

Critics and players have identified several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the side.

Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press