Former Proteas batting coach Dale Benkenstein has publicly questioned Cricket South Africa’s decision to remove head coach Ottis Gibson.

Gibson, Benkenstein, assistant coach Malibongwe Maketa, fielding coach Justin Ontong and spin-bowling coach Claude Henderson’s tenures were not renewed earlier this month. Convenor of selectors Linda Zondi, too, has not been retained.

Lions head coach Enoch Nkwe has since been appointed interim team director for the September and October tour of India.

‘They lost an excellent coach,’ Benkenstein told Netwerk24.

‘I can’t see how it was a good decision. South Africa is not an easy team to coach, with the criteria you have to meet when it comes to choosing the team.

‘I think Ottis handled it well – these are challenges that you are not faced with anywhere else in the world.’

Acting director of cricket Corrie van Zyl, meanwhile, has insisted Nkwe won’t be judged on performances during the three T20Is and as many Tests against the Indians.

‘We were judged on one tournament – our performances in the buildup to the World Cup had been good,’ added Benkenstein.

The Proteas finished in seventh position in the 10-team World Cup this year, after just three wins in nine matches.

Photo: Gallo Images