Smith was only 22 when he was appointed SA's captain in 2003

South Africa captain Graeme Smith says recent selection controversies are starting to affect the Proteas.

"The evidence of this week shows that the off-field stuff does have an effect on the team," said Smith just before leaving for the Test series in India.

Earlier this week, mixed-race bowler Charl Langeveldt withdrew from the India tour due to the furore caused by his selection in the 14-man party.

He had been included to satisfy a racial target of six players of colour.

It's about targets, we aspire to reach certain targets Cricket South Africa's chief executive Gerald Majola

"There are a few things we need to work through, they can't be left undealt with," added Smith. "We need to find a way to deal with these issues so we can concentrate on the cricket."

South Africa coach Mickey Arthur rejected suggestions the Proteas would be under-prepared for the first Test against India, which starts in Chennai on Wednesday, after cancelling a warm-up game against India A.

"There've been a lot of noises about not playing a warm-up match, but we've been in the subcontinent a huge amount lately and the guys are so sound in terms of the different techniques required," said Arthur.

606: DEBATE Colour should not determine team selection. The ICC should not stand for it. Make a stand. _Ricardinho_

"We believe we can replicate a warm-up game quite easily with some intensive centre practices."

Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa's chief executive Gerald Majola has defended its "transformation policy".

"It's about targets, we aspire to reach certain targets," said Majola. "But we also believe we need to be reasonable and look at what we have.

"We understand there are specialist positions in cricket and if we need four or five black players and they're mostly bowlers, then we'll have issues of balance within the team.

"That is why it is a target."