India coach Gary Kirsten feels his side’s packed schedule can prove detrimental in the ICC World Twenty20.

India have been playing non-stop cricket for a long time, travelling from one corner of the world to another.

They play their first warm-up game ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 against New Zealand on June 1, just seven days after the Indian Premier League gets over.

The defending champions' first match in the tournament, commencing on June 5, will be against Bangladesh a day later.

"The Indian players have been on the road for a long time and the biggest challenge will be mental fatigue," said Kirsten.

However, the former South Africa opener said the current bunch of players have the ability to get over such situations.

"They have enormous pride when representing India and have become a tight unit over the past few months. I'm sure they will look forward to reuniting and playing for their country," he said.

Kirsten believes as defending champions, India would be under a lot of pressure, but is also confident that his wards have the wherewithal to come good in the tournament.

Pressure no problem

"When you are defending champions there will always be added pressure. That goes with the territory of high-performing teams. This team has played in many pressure situations since the Twenty20 World Cup in 2007 and has shown what they are capable of," he told 'Cricinfo'.

The former South African opener is not too concerned about the conditions in England since it will be the same for every team.

"The players are aware of those conditions. Most of the Indian players have played in England and know what to expect."

India may have been on a roll, winning matches at home and away, but Kirsten ruled out any hints of complacency gripping the squad. "Experienced players understand the demands and pressures of World Cup tournaments. Throw in a few talented and fearless young players and you have a great mix in the team. We pride ourselves in taking each game as it comes and giving 100 per cent on a daily basis while representing Team India," he said.

IPL good opportunity for youngsters

Kirsten, meanwhile, also said that rubbing shoulders with some of the world's best cricketers in the IPL has been of immense help to young Indian players.

"The IPL provides a great opportunity for young Indian cricketers to show what they are capable of in a high-profile environment," Kirsten said.

"They also get to mix with, and learn from, successful international cricketers. Performances during the IPL can definitely be a stepping stone to achieving higher honours," he said.

Backing Buchanan

Kirsten had a sympathetic view of John Buchanan's multiple-captaincy theory but said as far as the Indian team is concerned, Dhoni remains the skipper.

"In the dynamic world we live in, innovative thinking is important to try and stay ahead and push the boundaries of performance. I think it is important to balance out what is already working and what can improve performance," Kirsten said about Buchanan's plan for his Kolkata Knight Riders team.