Following an initial call-up to the Proteas test squad a few years ago, Hollywoodbets Dolphins seamer Ottniel Baartman has been called up to the Proteas T20 and ODI squads for the upcoming series against India.
Baartman has impressed throughout his time at the Dolphins with the ball in both red and white ball cricket and this call-up was something that has been on the cards for some time.
He proved to be a crucial asset to the SA20 winning Sunrisers Eastern Cape with the new ball in the competitions first edition at the beginning of the year and will continue in his role next month with the franchise.
Coach of the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Imraan Khan is happy to see his players being recognised by the national set-up.
"Ottniel is an incredibly hard worker and has been for a long period of time," Khan said. "He's become a crucial part of our set-up here at the Dolphins and I am sure that he will be able to make that step up to international cricket.
"His consistent performances for the Dolphins have been crucial in our success across all formats and we're excited to see how he goes in the national set up.
"It's going to be an exciting tour and we hope that our Dolphins players can contribute to the success in what is going to be two difficult white ball series."
CEO of KZN Cricket Heinrich Strydom was full of praise for Baartman ahead of what could be a potential Proteas debut against India.
"Ottniel is one of the most humble, hardworking characters and he's put in many years of hard yards to get to this point," Strydom said.
"We wish him as well as our other Hollywoodbets Dolphins players called up to the Proteas squad all the best for what is going to be a tough series across all formats against a very strong India side."
Baartman joins Proteas stalwarts Keshav Maharaj, Dave Miller and Andile Phehlukwayo in the ODI and T20 squads. Maharaj has been selected in the Proteas test squad that will face India in two test matches following the white ball section of the tour.