Invincible Not Anymore: The Reasons The Indian Red-Ball Cricket Reputation Lies in Ruins

The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.

Initial Hope Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.

India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.

The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this cycle as well.

After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.

Now, the team look to be vulnerable at home.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.

While there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.

Critics and players have highlighted several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.

This was obvious in the performances of the side.

Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.

A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.

Management Questions

The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press