For nearly a decade, India were considered untouchable on home soil. Between 2013 and 2024, they stitched together an extraordinary run of 18 consecutive Test series victories—an unprecedented world record. Defeating them at home seemed almost impossible. Yet within a span of a few months, that image has been shattered. A 3–0 whitewash against New Zealand late last year and a 2–0 defeat against South Africa this season have raised alarm bells across Indian cricket.
The manner of these defeats is especially concerning. India were dismissed for 46 in Bengaluru, collapsed to 140 while chasing South Africa’s enormous 549, and even stumbled to 93 while chasing a modest target of 124 in Kolkata. Such performances reveal deeper issues than a simple downturn in form.
The first reason behind India’s slump is the failure of their pitch strategy. India’s home dominance was built on “natural turning tracks”—surfaces that allowed batsmen to score in the first three days before spinners dictated terms on days four and five. This formula, spearheaded by the legendary partnership of R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, served them brilliantly for years. However, recent series saw a dramatic shift. Against New Zealand, India created a green pitch in the opening Test and were promptly humiliated. Turning wickets in the next two matches made no difference. Against South Africa, an excessively spinning pitch in Kolkata backfired again, followed by a heavy defeat on a more balanced surface in Guwahati.
The second cause is the selection and tactical approach under Gautam Gambhir. Critics argue that he prioritises IPL form over red-ball credentials, often at the expense of seasoned first-class performers like Sarfaraz Khan and Karun Nair. Meanwhile, younger players such as Sai Sudharsan have been fast-tracked. Batting order changes—similar to fast-paced T20 structures—have left the Test side unsettled. Washington Sundar, for instance, has batted in nearly every possible position within eight innings, reflecting the inconsistency in planning. Overreliance on all-rounders has also diminished the presence of specialist batters and bowlers.
The third factor is the transition phase after the exit of senior stars. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and R. Ashwin stepping away has left a leadership and experience vacuum. Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane had already been sidelined earlier. Young captain Shubman Gill began promisingly but suffered an injury early in the South Africa series. Several of the team’s top-order batters have fewer than 15 Test matches under their belt, making it unrealistic to expect stability.
The fourth element is the superior strategy and skill of opposition sides. Both New Zealand and South Africa deployed the sweep and reverse sweep with remarkable discipline, neutralising India’s spinners. Their own spinners—Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner—outperformed India’s attack by significant margins. Harmer’s 17 wickets in just two Tests stand as a stark contrast to India’s meagre returns.
India now find themselves at a crossroads. To rebuild, they must embrace patience, consistency and long-term planning. As Gambhir admitted, “Many of these players are learning on the job. They need time.”
