India’s aura at home fades: Temba Bavuma’s streak exposes a shocking decline after hosts slump to new low

Kolkata, India – Once a fortress, India's dominance on home soil is showing alarming cracks, a reality starkly highlighted by South Africa's recent 30-run victory in the first Test at Eden Gardens. Under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, the Proteas secured their first Test win in India in 15 years, exposing vulnerabilities in the Indian squad and raising serious questions about the team's current trajectory.

The defeat is more than just a loss; it's a symptom of a deeper malaise affecting Indian cricket. After the high of the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup win, the men's team has struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in Test cricket. This loss marks the fourth time India has succumbed to spin on their home turf under Gautam Gambhir's coaching, intensifying the scrutiny on his strategies.

South Africa's victory was built on resilience and strategic brilliance. After being bowled out for a modest 159 in their first innings, the Proteas fought back, with Bavuma leading the charge. His unbeaten 55 in the second innings, the only half-century of the match, proved crucial in setting India a target of 124. Bavuma also credited the lower-order partnerships with Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen for providing crucial momentum.

The turning point arrived on the third day when India, chasing a manageable target, collapsed under pressure. The absence of captain Shubman Gill, hospitalized with a neck spasm, further destabilized the batting lineup. The Indian innings never gained momentum, with Simon Harmer's exceptional spin bowling (4-21) dismantling the batting order.

India's batting woes were compounded by a challenging pitch that offered sharp turn and uneven bounce, a factor that drew criticism from former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, who deemed it "pathetic" and unfit for Test cricket. However, beyond the pitch conditions, the Indian batsmen struggled against quality spin, raising questions about their preparation and technique.

The defeat has ignited a wave of introspection among Indian cricket fans and experts. The team's over-reliance on a few star players, coupled with inconsistent performances from the middle and lower order, has been a recurring issue. The pressure is mounting on the team management to address these shortcomings and find a winning combination.

This loss also underscores Bavuma’s impressive leadership. Under his captaincy, South Africa has displayed remarkable tenacity, and Bavuma remains unbeaten in 11 Test matches as captain. His ability to inspire his team, coupled with his strategic acumen, has been instrumental in South Africa's recent success.

Looking ahead, India faces a tough road to recovery. The team needs to regroup, address its weaknesses, and rediscover its confidence. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining whether India can reclaim its aura of invincibility at home or if this defeat marks the beginning of a new, challenging chapter for Indian cricket.