India skipper Sourav Ganguly said the players selected for the upcoming One-Day International series in Pakistan are the best available in the country, but conceded that leg spinner Anil Kumble and pacer Ajit Agarkar's absence would be felt.
"Both of them are outstanding players... among the best in the world; so their absence will be felt," Ganguly said about the injured duo, who are ruled out of the five-match one-day series, beginning in Karachi from March 13.
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"But what can be done? Both of them are injured. And there is too short a gap between our recent tour of Australia and coming engagement in Pakistan for them to recover in time," Ganguly told reporters in Kolkata after a session in the gymnasium.
He was hopeful of both players being fit before the three-Test series that follows the one-dayers.
"But the side that has been picked comprises the best in the country now," he said.
Ganguly also expressed his sympathy for left-hand batsman Rohan Gavaskar and young medium pacer Amit Bhandari, saying that they were "unlucky" to miss out on the Pakistan trip.
"Both of them played very well in Australia. Bad luck; they couldn't make it to Pakistan. But we can accommodate only 15 players. And the best have been picked," he said.
Ganguly welcomed the Board of Control for Cricket in India's decision to rope in Kapil Dev to train and monitor the pace bowlers, but said he is unsure how much of a difference the bowling legend would make during the three-day conditioning camp, from March 7 in Kolkata.
"He can give ideas to our pacers during the three-day camp. But I don't think he will be able to bring about major changes," he added.
In the same breath he Kapil's presence would benefit promising Indian bowlers in the long run.
"I understand that the Indian Board is planning to set up a fast bowling clinic. And I feel that our bowlers, particularly the upcoming ones, can benefit a lot from Kapil's guidance around the year."
Ganguly also hoped that seamer Ashish Nehra would be able to prove his match fitness in the Duleep Trophy final which the Board has advised him to play.
He said in case Nehra is not able to make the tour, Bhandari would be included in the team.
Asked to name one Pakistan player who has the ability to make a difference between the two sides, Ganguly replied: "Both India and Pakistan are good sides. An individual cannot make much of a difference."
He also refused to comment on his name featuring on the ICC's blacklist violating the Code of Conduct.
"I've nothing to say on this. It's an ICC matter."
