Invincible A Thing of the Past: The Reasons India's Test Cricket Legacy Is in Tatters

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

Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover post the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

It was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.

Today, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.

Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.

While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.

Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the squad.

Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.

Coaching Scrutiny

The review also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press