India coach Gary Kirsten has played down the loss of one-day captain MS Dhoni for the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka.

The wicketkeeper-batsman asked to be rested for the Test series due to fatigue after playing virtually non-stop cricket with the Asia Cup coming hot on the heels of a full Indian Premier League campaign.

Indian selectors picked two wicketkeepers in place of the 27-year-old - Parthiv Patel and Dinesh Karthik - both of whom Kirsten believes are capable of filling the void.

"I think the side is well balanced," Kirsten told an Indian television channel.

"Obviously we will miss Dhoni's experience, but he has been replaced by two keepers who do similar jobs like his. There can't really be a change in the balance."

The South African also has confidence that the bowling department, which struggled in the Asia Cup, will perform better especially with the return of paceman Zaheer Khan who missed the continental tournament in Pakistan due to injury.

"I think it is a great opportunity for the seamers as well," Kirsten said.

"Zaheer is back and he is a very experienced bowler in these tough conditions.

"He also has a lot of value to add to the younger players and would almost lead the pack in many respects.

"Ishant Sharma has been bowling exceptionally well in the last six months now.

"So, there are some good players coming through and it's an opportunity for them."

India begin their tour with a three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Board XI starting on Friday before the first Test gets under way next Wednesday.