Mumbai, Sept. 3: Leg-spinner Anil Kumble, along with former skipper Sourav Ganguly and seamer Zaheer Khan, who were among the 30-member probables list, failed to make it to the 14-member squad for the prestigious Champions Trophy to be played here in October-November.

The Kiran More-led selection committee which met on Sunday at Cricket Club of India preferred going ahead with the same 15-member team they had sent to Sri Lanka for the triangular series in Malaysia.

However, the major surprise was the non-inclusion of young fast bowler Shantakumaran Sreesanth, who was among the scheme of things as the mini-World Cup demanded only a 14 member team.

Quizzed why Sreesanth was dropped from the Champions Trophy squad, More said "Sreesanth is in our planning. R.P. Singh hasn’t got enough opportunity and he also has performed in the India A tour to Australia." Asked whether the veteran leg-spinner was discussed at the two hour meeting, which also had captain Rahul Dravid and coach Greg Chappell in attendance, More said, "Definitely, Anil’s issue was discussed. We got a report from Gloster, which stated that Anil will be not fit before the Champions Trophy. Lots of cricket is left in him and he is an experienced player, who will get back.

"There are lots of series ahead and we are looking on a long term rehabilitation for Anil," the former stumper added.

Why was fast bowler Zaheer Khan was ignored despite performing well in the county circuit? "How can we drop someone when he is performing well," answered More.

The selectors also discussed other issues which included left-arm seamer Ashish Nehra and V. Balaji’s fitness.

Six players will be called to play two practice matches before the tri-series, which also features Australia and the West Indies.