Team announcement compelled by logistics: BCCI

NEW DELHI: Test skipper Anil Kumble may not find the timing of the Indian ODI squad's announcement ideal, but the BCCI on Wednesday defended the move saying it was compelled by logistics to name the team ahead of the crucial Adelaide Test.

"It is because of the logistics issues that the team is announced early. We also need to give the players some time to mentally prepare for the tour," BCCI vice President Rajiv Shukla said reacting to Kumble's comments.

Seniors like Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman have been left out of the squad for the tri-series, also involving Australia and Sri Lanka, leading to criticism that it might affect the trio's morale ahead of the fourth and final Test against Australia.

"The selection is not in their hands. I have gone through it, it's not ideal but that's the way it is. It's a bit disappointing," Kumble said on the eve of the Test on Wednesday.

"It's not easy on senior players. Having said that, we would keep our focus on this Test," the veteran leg-spinner added.

Shukla said team selection was done taking into account the availability of selectors.

"The convener of the selection committee Niranjan Shah decides the dates of the selection committee meeting taking into account the availability of the selectors," he explained.

However, Shukla promised to take note of Kumble's comments.

"This has been the practice all along. We will definitely take note of the captain's views on this matter," he said.