Durban - Dolphins skipper Khaya Zondo is ecstatic over his national call-up for South Africa's first three ODIs to be played against India next month, starting at Kingsmead on 1 February.
READ: Ngidi, Zondo called up to Proteas ODI squad
Zondo has been in the Proteas set-up before, but is yet to make his national debut and the upcoming series against India will provide a stern challenge for the 27-year-old.
"Obviously I am really excited to be a part of the national team and hopefully to start my international career," Zondo said.
"I can't really describe the feeling but I am looking forward to being a part of the set-up.
"It would be great to make my debut at Kingsmead but I am a new player in the
squad so we will just have to wait and see what happens with selection," said the middle-order batsman.
Zondo led South Africa 'A' 50-over side on their recent tour of England this past winter.
He has also been in charge of the Dolphins that made it to the RAM SLAM T20 Challenge final this season and has qualified for the One Day Cup semi-finals.
Zondo will join fellow Dolphins Andile Phehlukwayo and Imran Tahir in the 50-over squad.
Chief Executive Officer of KZN Cricket Heinrich
Strydom is excited by yet another Dolphins player has being included in the national squad.
"It's always a great moment for us when one of our players is selected for the Proteas for the first time," Strydom mentioned.
"Khaya has had a long, consistent career with the Dolphins and we wish him all the best as he makes his way into international cricket."
Former Hilton College schoolboy and recent Test sensation Lungi Ngidi is the only other uncapped player in the Proteas' 50-over squad.
Proteas ODI squad:
Faf du Plessis (Titans, captain), Hashim Amla (Cape Cobras), Quinton de Kock (Titans), AB de Villiers (Titans), JP Duminy (Cape Cobras), Imran Tahir (Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Titans), David Miller (Knights), Morne Morkel (Titans), Chris Morris (Titans), Lungisani Ngidi (Titans), Andile Phehlukwayo (Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (Highveld Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Titans), Khayelihle Zondo (Dolphins)
Proteas v India ODI fixtures:
February 1: D/N 1st ODI, Kingsmead, Durban - 13:00
February 4: 2nd ODI, SuperSport Park, Centurion - 10:00
February 7: D/N 3rd ODI, Newlands, Cape Town - 13:00
February 10: D/N 4th ODI, Wanderers, Johannesburg - 13:00
February 13: D/N 5th ODI, St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth - 13:00
February 16: D/N 6th ODI, SuperSport Park, Centurion - 13:00