Mumbai, Feb 26: Newly-appointed Indian team coach Gary Kirsten feels that the value of experience was more important at Test level than in the shorter versions of the game while praising the younger lot under Mahendra Singh Dhoni for being energetic and full of grit and vigour.

"Under Mahendra Singh Dhoni the (limited overs) team looks very energetic. They are a bunch of young players and it's great for Indian cricket what they are doing. I was really encouraged with their ability to fight till the death and put in a determined effort even when the chips were down," said the former South African player here today.

Kirsten was here to meet officials of the Indian cricket board along with Test captain Anil Kumble and the duo held discussions with BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah, Treasurer N Srinivasan and CAO Ratnakar Shetty today.

"At Test level one must always be careful. Test cricket has an uncompromising environment and we need the experience at the Test level, may be more so, than in one-day cricket. So I would like to see a smooth content of players going to Test in time," said the former opener who arrived yesterday.

Kirsten, who is to take over formally as coach from March 1 and will start his stint against his country of birth who are to play a three-Test series against hosts India, said that the transition from the shorter to the longer version of the game would be a tough road to travel for the younger lot.

"It's going to be a tough transition and we may have to irritate a few players on the way," he said.

Kirsten was all praise for Kumble's leadership Down Under in the Test series against Australia.PTI