Cape Town - Dolphins batsman Khaya Zondo says it will be a dream come true if he represents his country in next month’s tour of India.
The 25-year-old was on Thursday named in the 15-man squad that will play three T20s against India in October.
“I’m very excited ... I'm pretty chuffed,” Zondo told Sport24 on Thursday, adding that the call-up was the highlight of his career so far.
Zondo received a phone call from convenor of selectors Linda Zondi on Wednesday and a conversation took place that he hopes will be the start of a long and fruitful career in Proteas colours.
“It’s always part of the plan of every cricketer to play all three formats,” said Zondo.
“For most people you get your foot in the door and prove you’re capable in that particular format and then it’s just a matter of opportunities availing themselves to you.”
With just three matches on the tour and 15 players to accommodate, Zondo is unlikely to play in all of the games, which means that he must cash in whenever he is given a chance.
“I’ve gotten used to limited opportunities because even with the Proteas ‘A’ team we only play four games in the series … so whatever chance you get, you use it,” he said.
An innovative batsman with the ability to do well in difficult situations, Zondo will be expected to rotate the strike in the middle overs while also possessing the ability to find the boundary.
“I’ll probably have to play a lot of sweeps and reverse sweeps … I’ll have to improvise.”
Zondo confirmed that the squad was due to gather on September 26 for what will be his first taste of being in the national setup.
Proteas T20 squad:
Faf du Plessis (Titans, captain), Kyle Abbott (Dolphins), Hashim Amla (Cape Cobras), Farhaan Behardien (Titans), Quinton de Kock (Titans), Marchant de Lange (Titans), AB de Villiers (Titans), JP Duminy (Cape Cobras), Imran Tahir (Dolphins), Eddie Leie (Highveld Lions), David Miller (Dolphins), Chris Morris (Titans), Kagiso Rabada (Highveld Lions), David Wiese (Titans), Khaya Zondo (Dolphins)