The Indian team will go into the third Test against Sri Lanka [Images] in Colombo without coach Gary Kirsten.

The former South Africa [Images] batsman has been granted leave by the Board of Control for Cricket in India to attend to his mother, who is critically ill.

'Gary Kirsten, coach, Indian Team has been granted leave to go to South Africa to be with his mother,' the BCCI said in a statement on Tuesday.

'Kirsten will not be available for the third Test Match as he will be leaving from Colombo for South Africa tonight. There will not be any replacement in his absence.'

India leveled the series 1-1 after beating Sri Lanka by 170 runs in the second Test match in Galle. The hosts had won the first Test at the SSC in Colombo by an innings and 239 runs.

The third and deciding Test will take place from August 8 to 12.