Unconquerable A Thing of the Past: Why India's Red-Ball Cricket Reputation Lies in Ruins

India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.

Worrying Trend

It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.

The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's chances of making the final of this season as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.

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

Now, India look to be beatable at home.

Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.

While there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the performances of the squad.

Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.

A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press