🔗 Share this article Unbeatable No More: The Reasons India's Red-Ball Cricket Standing Is in Tatters The Indian Rishabh Pant heads to the pavilion after his dismissal in the recent Ind vs SA Test Match The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad. Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak. The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny. Initial Hope Fades Quickly The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli. An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow. The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition. Some big reputations took a hit, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket. The Indian head coach Gambhir faces pressure following consecutive Test losses Concerning History It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale. The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle too. Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort. Causes of the Fall The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering. From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration. Today, the team appear to be easy pickings at home. Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most. The Core Issue Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas. Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past. While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline. The Proteas' Harmer claimed a record 17 wickets - the highest by any cricketer in a Test match series in the subcontinent Several Weaknesses Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons. Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket. This was clear in the displays of the side. Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach. A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches. Leadership Under Fire The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir. During his post-series press