Gautam Gambhir defends his record as India coach after drubbing against Proteas

The series loss is India's second at home in the last three Test series after New Zealand recorded a 3-0 win last year, while before that they went 12 years unbeaten in longest format at home.

Installed as India mentor in July 2024, Gambhir pointed to India's 2-2 draw in the Test series away to England earlier this year while also bringing up his white-ball record.

"I'm the same guy who got results in England as well, with a young team," Gambhir told reporters.

"I'm sure you guys will forget very soon because a lot of people keep talking about New Zealand. And I'm the same guy under whom we won Champions Trophy and Asia Cup as well.

"Yes, this is a team which has less experience. They need to keep learning and they're putting (in) everything possible to turn the tide."

Gambhir's tenure as coincided with the Test retirements of India legends Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravi Ashwin while the side moved on from experienced batters Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara.

Shubman Gill has taken over as captain while India's batting, in particular, has seen a number of young, inexperienced players given opportunities.

Gambhir added: "I don't give excuses. I've never done that in the past. I will never do it in the future as well.

"But four or five batters in this top eight have literally played less than 15 Test matches (each), and they will grow. They're learning on the job. They're learning on the field.

"Test cricket is never easy when you're playing against a top-quality side. So you've got to give them time as well. So for me, I think that is something they'll keep learning.

"That is important. Because I know that I hate using this word transition. This is exactly what transition is."