My absence not a concern: Kirsten

India coach Gary Kirsten is confident that his absence would not make a difference to the team's performance as Anil Kumble's men are focussed on the task at hand. Spl: Mission Sri Lanka

Forced to leave his wards before the series-deciding third and final cricket Test against Sri Lanka, India coach Gary Kirsten is confident that his absence would not make a difference to the team's performance as Anil Kumble's men are focussed on the task at hand.

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"These players are aware what they need to do and they are right on track in terms of preparations. The important thing is the awareness of the situation. They know they have an opportunity (to win the series)," Kirsten, who flew to South Africa on Tuesday night to attend to his critically ill mother, said before his departure.

"Every guy is aware if he is not fully focussed for the next Test it could affect the team's performance."

Kirsten said he has "complete faith in what (captain) Anil Kumble can do".

"There is a calm focus about the team and there is a humility about how we are going to go about our business. There is no arrogance in the environment," he said.

Kirsten's belief stems from the team's stupendous display in the Galle Test, which the visitors won inside four days to tie the series 1-1.

The South African said the team's performance in Galle was heartening.

"We were happy with the team's response as they lifted their performance by at least 20 percent (in Galle)," he said