South Africa vs India: Behardien likely to miss out on ODI berth, Khaya Zondo in fray for call-up

Team South Africa has been dictating terms big time in the ongoing Test series against India. They have won the firsy two Tests and are now in a dominant position in the final Test by the end of day one. After the conclusion of the Test series, the Proteas are scheduled to host the Indian side in 6 ODIs and 3 T20Is. The South Africa ODI squad for the series will be announced later this week.

For now, the recent reports suggest that the selectors are mulling over the inclusion of talented veteran cricketer Khaya Zondo. At the very same time, another veteran cricketer, Farhaan Behardien, could miss out on his place in the national setup. Over the last couple of years, Behardien has been in the scheme of things for South Africa in the limited overs cricket.

In fact, he has been at the helm of the Proteas cricket in the shortest format of the game where the selectors often field up a young and new side. Behardien is often in competition with David Miller for a slot in the lower middle order of the South African lineup. As per the reports in IOL.co.za, it is expected that Behardien will be axed from the ODI series against India.

In his place, Dolphins skipper Khaya Zondo can be the surprise inclusion. Zondo and the current pace sensation Lungi Ngidi are expected to be the only new uncapped faces in the squad. While Ngidi has played Tests and T20Is before, Zondo is yet to light up the big stage.

In the scheme of things before as well

Zondo was interestingly a part of the South Africa squad that had toured India in 2015. However, he did not get a game back then. In the final ODI when JP Duminy was ruled out, the selectors had summoned Dean Elgar to India despite the fact that Zondo was warming the bench. This had caused a severe stir in the South African cricket circle among the Black cricketers.

In the ongoing Momentum Cup, Zondo has been in fine form. He has scored 217 runs in 8 matches thus far. Among others, Aiden Markram and JP Duminy are set to retain their places in the side. All-rounder Chris Morris is also set to be back in the squad. This could potentially mean the exclusion of Dane Paterson.

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