Siliguri, Feb 2 Former cricket captain Kapil Dev today described India's nine-wicket defeat to Australia in the Twenty-20 international as 'shameful', but felt captain M S Dhoni has the ability to lead his young team back into form.

"It would be too early to question the ability of Dhoni as captain and he should be given more time before reaching a conclusion about his performance," Dev told reporters here.

Commenting on the exclusion of Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and V V S Laxman from the ODI team, Dev said while everyone will have to quit one day, seniors should be allowed to depart with honour and dignity.

Lauding Anil Kumble, Dev said he was proud of the veteran spinner for capturing 600 wickets.

"The cricket history will remember Kumble for his contribution forever," said Dev, who was here to launch a product of a steel company. (Agencies)