Unbeatable No More: The Reasons India's Test Match Reputation Lies in Ruins

The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.

India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.

A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition also.

After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.

Now, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

What Happened?

Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.

Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.

Multiple Failings

Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.

Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the squad.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.

Management Questions

The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press