Invincible No More: The Reasons The Indian Test Cricket Legacy Has Crumbled

India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.

India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's chances of making the final of this cycle too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.

Now, the team appear to be beatable at home.

Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.

While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Multiple Failings

Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the team.

Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.

Management Questions

The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.

In his post-series press