While the skipper's outburst had little effect on the BCCI, which had decided to remain mute when the schedules were circulated for comments and suggestions, the coach said the performance of the players had been suffering due to too much of cricket off late.
"It would be unfair to expect players to play so much of cricket in such short span of time in 35 degrees of heat. I think that three games in four days in this heat took a toll on the players," Kirsten told reporters.
"Due to the schedule, the pace was off a little bit in last game but we are not concerned about it and guys are fielding well in the nets and we're happy with that. Yes, we made few mistakes in last games, and the guys are aware of that," he added.
Dhoni had lashed out at the organisers two days ago citing that India had to play back-to-back matches in the group stage. The team got a two-day break but are again scheduled to play Pakistan and Sri Lanka on consecutive days.
Kirsten was confident that his wards will deliver the results in the Super Four game as well.
"The guys are good performers and they always want to do well. As I've said earlier, there are players we are working on and I hope they will execute in the next games," he said.
"Sri Lanka is playing good cricket, they're a good side, a very well organised team. They have got a good team and like Pakistan, they're also going to be a tough opponent," he added.
The South African was also critical of the flat tracks in the Asia Cup as it had made the task difficult for the bowlers.
"But we have come up with a couple of ideas on what we are going do and have spent some times with bowlers. We believe in these bowlers, they're the same bowlers who did exceptionally well in Australia. We've identified what we need to do on these wickets," he said.
Kirsten also came in defence of young Rohit Sharma who hasn't been consistent at all and said the promising raght-hander would soon be back amongst runs.
"We back him fully in the team. He is a star of the future, we continue to work on his game and give him options in terms of what he can do on a cricket field. We are very exited about his talent," he said.
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