Did you know that India's Test side are the only team to not have THIS unwanted milestone in 15 years?

India's transition era in Test cricket started with a rollicking 2-2 draw against England away from home. In a series that not many expected Shubman Gill's side to even compete, they came out surprising everyone and outshone England in most parameters. Eventually, it was more about the lack of experience that cost India a potential series win.

Now that a challenging overseas tour is over, it's time for India's cricketers to prepare for the home season. In their den, India rarely ever lose, so it is not surprising that they have a streak that dates back to 15 years. Yes, you read that right. It was in 2010 that India last suffered an innings defeat at home, courtesy South Africa. That was the famous Proteas side that used to win everywhere in all sorts of conditions with Dale Steyn at his prime. Australia and New Zealand are second in the list with the streak, as the Trans-Tasman neighbours last lost a home game by an innings back in 2016.

All the other major Test sides have suffered this disappointment at least once in the last five years. It tells you how difficult it is to dominate India in their den. Spinning surfaces are one thing but it is also about having quality spinners in your own side so that you can trouble the Indian side. Most foreign teams go with the objective picking any spinner that they can get, rather than trying to go for a more skillful bowler, even if it means adding a seamer. India's 12-year-old streak of not losing a home series was broken by New Zealand in late 2024, so you could say that this streak may not last forever either. However, much like the 2012 series defeat at home to England, the New Zealand fiasco also happened with an ageing side on the cusp of transition.

While England and New Zealand deserve massive credit for their respective achievements, it is difficult to see India being beaten by an innings in their home conditions.