Share

Ex-Proteas selection boss Linda Zondi says processes were flouted in Khaya Zondo axing

accreditation
0:00
play article
Subscribers can listen to this article
Khaya Zondo (Gallo Images)
Khaya Zondo (Gallo Images)
  • Former Proteas convenor of selectors Linda Zondi said processes weren't followed in the axing of Khaya Zondo for the infamous fifth ODI against India in Mumbai in 2016.
  • Zondi wasn't the selector on tour, but they had agreed that Zondo was going to play in the game.
  • On the morning of the game, David Miller and Dean Elgar played ahead of Zondo and Zondi only saw that at the start of the game.

Former Proteas convenor of selectors Linda Zondi said former captain AB de Villiers did not follow selection policy protocol in the side-lining of Khaya Zondo for the infamous fifth ODI against India in Mumbai in 2015.

Speaking at the Cricket South Africa Cricket for Social Justice and Nation-building hearings on Thursday, Zondi said the selector on tour in Hussein Manack and De Villiers should have contacted him with the late change of personnel.

Zondo, who was on tour as the spare batter, would have made his ODI debut in the game that South Africa won by 214 runs to win the ODI series 3-2. He was replaced by Dean Elgar, who wasn't part of the T20 and ODI squad.

De Villiers made a 61-ball 119 with three fours and 11 sixes, while Quinton de Kock (109 off 87) and Faf du Plessis (133 off 115) helped propel South Africa to 434/4.

The series win was South Africa's first ODI rubber success in India, but it may forever be overshadowed by De Villiers's decision to have Elgar play ahead of Zondo while David Miller's place in the team was saved by JP Duminy's injury.

"As per his testimony, Hussein said De Villiers felt he was put into a corner because of Khaya playing, but Zondo was the best batter available," Zondi said.

"When Hussein gave into the pressure, he didn't come back to me and explain that the decision had been changed.

"De Villiers knew I was the convenor and if there was a decision, he wasn't happy with the panel's decision, he should have contacted me first and voiced his displeasure.

"He was wrong in not going through the process while Hussein should have told me about the change of decision.

"He was under pressure and knew the decision was final, but because it was a critical decision, he should have come back to the panel."

While crediting Manack for accurately describing the events and being brave enough to do so, he also said then chief executive officer Haroon Lorgat let him down by entertaining De Villiers's request to have Zondo replaced in the match-day unit.

"It also happened that the CEO at the time was also there, from where the captain spoke to the CEO and the CEO entertained that discussion.

"The CEO knew the process and should have said I've heard you, but go back to the convenor because he shouldn't be interfering in playing affairs and the selector could have come back to me.

"I could have massaged my ego and said everyone breeched the process, but when I saw that Khaya wasn't playing, I was very upset and unhappy.

"I shared that with Hussein and in his defence, he said he was under pressure and was cornered, but the policy states the selector on tour makes the final decision. They should have consulted me."

Miller's poor form leading into the fifth ODI meant he should not have played in the game, but an injury to Duminy opened up the slot for him.

Zondi said Zondo would have been ready for the occasion despite the game being a decider as he was in form.

"A replacement was needed in the event of Khaya playing and it wasn't a difficult situation despite JP's injury," Zondi said.

"It was a deciding game, but Khaya was the in-form batter. he was there in India and he wasn't being thrown in the deep end.

"Khaya had to play, it was decided but when I switched on my TV, I was surprised to see that Khaya wasn't playing.

"Dean Elgar was there as the back-up batter and there wasn't an issue about that, but I was told that after the meeting that decided that Khaya was going to play was relayed to De Villiers and he wasn't happy."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE